What’s remarkable about a flamingo? Plenty. These birds are pink, have exceptionally long necks and the longest legs, in proportion to body size, of all birds. The beak is uniquely shaped and adapted for pumping and filtering water while feeding on crustaceans and algae in marshes and lagoons. Both in water and on land, flamingos are able to lock their long legs into position for resting and sleeping on one leg.

This photo of a Persian leopard was taken this summer at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This is a pretty cool cat. Here is some more information from the zoo website:

“Persian leopards are more densely haired, with finer hair, and are more cold-tolerant than Panthera pardus of Africa and India. The hind-limbs are larger than the forelimbs to facilitate jumping. Forward-looking eyes allow for depth perception and the ability to isolate and capture prey. The forepaws are equipped with long, retractile claws to grab and hold prey. The rough tongue is designed to peel the skin of the prey animal away from the flesh, and the flesh from the bone. This is a solitary animal, seeking a mate only during the breeding season. They are nocturnal, doing their hunting at night, and rest during the day. Leopards are considered the best stalkers among the big cats. They close in silently, attack swiftly, then usually drag their catch into a tree for safekeeping. They are strong swimmers, but are not as fond of water as the tiger. Their eyesight is keen, and their sense of smell is better developed than that of the tiger. They are territorial, marking primarily with urine or calls. Their roar sounds like a saw rasping on coarse wood. They are good climbers”.

What’s remarkable about a flamingo? Plenty. These birds are pink, have exceptionally long necks and the longest legs, in proportion to body size, of all birds. The beak is uniquely shaped and adapted for pumping and filtering water while feeding on crustaceans and algae in marshes and lagoons. Both in water and on land, flamingos are able to lock their long legs into position for resting and sleeping on one leg.

In addition to this monkey the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing 600 species, including the largest collection of primate species in North America. Open all year (closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1), 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended summer weekend hours. For more info: